Photo courtesy of @Grad8tions
2023 Baytown
birding challenge
January 1 - December 31, 2023
All challenge finishers will earn a 2023 commemorative medallion!
The 2023 Baytown Birding Challenge runs from January 1 - December 31, 2023 and is open to birders of all skill levels from around the world.
Find any 50 bird species in Baytown to complete the Challenge. Some species are common and found in many places, while others are rare and may be limited to a specific habitat or part of Baytown.
Challenge Rules & Steps
- Pick up your Birding Challenge entry form from the Baytown Tourism Offices at 311 W. Texas Avenue or print a form from this page.
For each bird species you find, complete the information on the entry form.
At least one of your birding locations must be at the Baytown Nature Center (BNC). Participants must submit their BNC entrance receipt or a picture of the receipt with their Birding Challenge entry form. Those who obtain a BNC year pass may submit a photo of their pass in lieu of an entry receipt.
Send the completed form to the Baytown Tourism Division at (Baytown Information Center, 311 W. Texas Avenue, Baytown, TX 77520) or email your photocopied form to tourism@baytown.org. Completed forms must be postmarked or emailed by January 4, 2024. Forms may also be submitted in person at the Baytown Visitor Information Center reception counter during normal business hours. All Challenge completers will receive a 2023 Baytown Birding Challenge medallion.
Photo courtesy of @Grad8tions
Photo courtesy of @Grad8tions
Additional Information
- The Challenge is open to all ages and all countries.
Only one entry will be accepted per individual. If a participant finds more than 50 species, those species can be documented on additional entry forms, but all forms must be submitted at the same time and clearly marked with the participant's name and information.
Please be thorough in filling out forms and write legibly. Illegible entries will not be counted.
Any information that is filled out on the entry form questionnaire helps in maintaining the Birding Challenge program and future challenges. Please help us by answering the questionnaire fully.
Most importantly, follow the rules set out in the American Birding Association’s Code of Birding Ethics, which can be found at http://listing.aba.org/ethics/. Destruction of bird/natural habitats or stress to the wildlife in Baytown will result in the disqualification of Birding Challenge forms for the current and all future challenges.
Take the Challenge!
Great Baytown Birding Locations:
Baytown Nature Center
6213 Bayway Drive
Eddie V. Gray Wetlands Education Center
1724 Market Street
Jenkins Park
4334 Crosby Cedar Bayou Road
Evergreen Park
1530 Evergreen Road
Other Birding Locations:
Up to 15 bird species out of 50 may be found at the following nearby birding locations:
Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge
4017 FM 563, Anahuac, ,TX 77514
Wallisville Lake Project
1140 US Army Corps Road, Wallisville, TX 77597
Photo courtesy of @Grad8tions
Special thanks to Grey Scott, local Baytown photographer, for supplying the page's incredible bird photos. To check out more of Gray's work, visit https://gradations.zenfolio.com/ , @Grad8tions on Instagram or visit our blog page!
Birding on the Water
April through June, birders can take a boat tour to Bird Island with Terry's Guide Service. Bird Island is an official Migratory Nesting sight and only accessible by boat. The tours are 2 hours long (2 person minimum, 4 person maximum, $50 per person) and circles the whole island for an incredible birding experience.
To book your birding excursion call 281-389-7090 or visit Terry's Guide Service online at: www.fishingtrinitybay.com